Kashmir Photo Workshop

Led by Dinesh Khanna and Abhishek Hajela

03rd - 07th June 2026

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Price on twin sharing:

Exclusive pricing for our alumni:‍

₹ 75000/-

Standard pricing: ₹ 85000/-

(GST extra)

Single Room Supplement:

₹ 16500

Group Size: 06 - 10

Trip Highlights

Sunrise on Dal Lake

Early morning shikara rides through floating markets, misty reflections, and golden light hitting the surrounding mountains — a dream setting for landscape and street photography.

Meet the Gujjar Shepherd Communities

We spend time with the semi-nomadic Gujjar shepherds, photographing their flocks against sweeping alpine backdrops.

Slow Travel, Deeper Stories

Morning and evening village walks, photo sessions and guided portraits

Authentic Portrait Opportunities

Engage with local artisans, saffron farmers, boatmen, and nomadic shepherd communities — creating powerful environmental portraits with cultural depth.

Stay on a Traditional Houseboat

Experience and photograph life from beautifully carved wooden houseboats — reflections, textures, interiors, and lakeside storytelling.

Photograph the Soul of Kashmir

Often called “Paradise on Earth,” Kashmir offers an extraordinary blend of dramatic Himalayan landscapes and deeply rooted mountain culture.

This Kashmir Photo Journey begins in Srinagar, where we stay on traditional houseboats on the serene waters of Dal Lake, framed by the Zabarwan Mountains. From sunrise at the floating vegetable market to quiet canal explorations by shikara, we immerse ourselves in the poetic rhythm of lake life. We photograph the architectural beauty of old Srinagar, including the historic buildings, wander through Mughal gardens, and travel into the countryside, capturing shepherd communities and timeless village life. From riverside landscapes to intimate environmental portraits, this workshop blends dramatic Himalayan scenery with authentic cultural storytelling.

Trip Itinerary

Morning flight to Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir.
On arrival, we transfer to our beautifully appointed Royal Houseboats on Dal Lake and enjoy a relaxed lunch.
In the afternoon, we head out for a shikara (traditional boat) photo session, gliding through the serene waters of Dal Lake. Over the next two hours, we explore its enchanting canals, floating vegetable gardens, and the unique rhythm of life on the lake—offering wonderful opportunities for intimate and atmospheric photography.
Overnight: Royal Houseboats, Dal Lake (D)
Our houseboats are located in one of the most scenic parts of Dal Lake, offering uninterrupted views of the Zabarwan (Mahadev) mountain range. Surrounded by lotus blooms, water lilies, and floating gardens, this tranquil setting provides a truly immersive Kashmir experience.
An early morning photo shoot of the floating vegetable market.
After Breakfast, we will visit old Srinagar city, markets, Jamai Masjid constructed in the 13th Century, ancient houses with beautiful architecture, and narrow streets up to the Wooden Mosque Shahi Hamdan constructed in the 13th Century. After lunch, we will visit the Mughal Gardens, visiting Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. All the gardens are situated on the bank of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background.
O/N Royal Houseboats, Dal Lake (B, D)
After breakfast, we drive towards Pahalgam, making several stops along the way to photograph everyday life in the Kashmiri countryside. We visit local families engaged in their daily routines, including traditional pottery-making, and pass through charming villages dotted with old mud houses—offering a beautiful glimpse into the region’s culture and way of life.
In the afternoon, we return to Srinagar for a photo session in the lively market area around the Hazratbal Mosque, capturing the energy, faces, and moments of local life set against this important spiritual landmark.
Overnight: Royal Houseboats, Dal Lake (B, D)
After Breakfast, we will drive towards Sonamarg, on the way, we will visit the Jipsy men and their Villages. The beautiful Sindh River and the nearby villages of Kullan, Sonmos, Mammar, and Gund.
O/N Royal Houseboats, Dal Lake (B, D)
After breakfast, we will drive to Srinagar Airport to fly back home.

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What's Included:

Ground transportation as per the itinerary (Tempo Traveller)
Group transfers on arrival and departure
4 nights’ accommodation on a twin-sharing basis
Daily breakfast and dinner (04 breakfasts and 04 dinners)
All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as outlined in the itinerary
Bottled drinking water throughout the journey

What's Not Included:

GST 5%
International or domestic airfare
Medical, travel, and evacuation insurance
Excess baggage charges at the airport
Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities for drivers and staff
Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc
Any items not specifically mentioned under “Tour Fee Includes.”

Suggested Flight

New Delhi - Sri Nagar: Air India 1792 @ 0950 - 1130

Sri Nagar - New Delhi: Air India Express 1196 @ 1650 - 1835

About Abhishek

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abhishek_hajela/

The founder of Unique Photo Adventures, Abhishek Hajela, is a National Geographic Travel Photographer based in New Delhi and recipient of the prestigious International Nikon Award.

Mentored by John Isaac, former Head of the UN Photo Department, Abhishek refined both his artistic vision and technical depth, transforming his passion into a distinguished career. Today, he curates and leads photography journeys and bespoke travel experiences in collaboration with respected global partners.

His work has appeared with leading brands and publications including National Geographic Traveller, Lonely Planet, Nikon, and Outdoor Photography, with features across major Indian publications such as The Hindustan Times, The Hindu, Mail Today, and Mint Lounge.

Abhishek’s photography has been exhibited at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (Mumbai), the Indian Photography Festival (Hyderabad), JPD Gallery in Vienna, Museo Camera (Gurgaon), and Travancore House (New Delhi).

Through Unique Photo Adventures, he goes beyond capturing images — creating immersive photographic experiences for travelers worldwide.

About Dinesh Khanna

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlydineshkhanna/

Dinesh Khanna has been working as a Professional Photographer for more than 35 years with an eclectic blend of commercial and personal work. For advertising and corporate clients, he has been shooting food, people, and interiors, and he also does visual documentation for NGOs and social organisations. His personal work has been published as acclaimed books like ‘Bazaar’ and ‘Living Faith.’ The latest books he has worked on are “Right of the Line – The President’s Bodyguard” and “Life in Rashtrapati Bhawan’ which have been commissioned by the Rashtrapati Bhawan and Sahapedia. Over the years his work has also been shown in solo and group shows in galleries from Delhi to New York and Varanasi to San Francisco.

He has also done a number of assignments for the Incredible India campaign, including the prestigious one for the Taj Mahal's 350th anniversary.

Dinesh is a Managing Trustee of Nazar Foundation, and one of the Co-founders of the Delhi Photo Festival and was also a Photography Curator for the first 2 editions of Serendipity Arts Festival. He has taught Photography in various institutions like Ashoka University, The One School, Goa, Jamia Milia, Delhi, Amity Pune, and MICA, Ahmedabad, amongst others.

More Details

- At Unique Photo Adventures, we strive to ensure a smooth and safe journey. However, please understand that we cannot be held responsible for delays, program alterations, or indirect expenses caused by unforeseen circumstances such as natural hazards, accidents, machinery breakdown, adverse weather conditions, landslides, political closures, or any other unpredictable incidents. Our itineraries are meticulously planned based on long-range weather forecasts, but necessary changes may occur for your safety, comfort, and well-being. Any such adjustments will be communicated promptly via the WhatsApp group. For detailed weather information, we recommend referring to Google weather.
- Travel Insurance: For Indian citizens, comprehensive travel insurance is included in this package, with the policy document shared before your trip begins. For international travelers, insurance is not included; we highly recommend arranging your own travel insurance in advance. We can assist you in securing coverage at an additional cost if needed.
- Minimum Group Size: This trip requires a minimum group size to proceed as guaranteed. If this minimum is not met, resulting in trip cancellation, a full refund of any advance payments will be issued.
- Luggage Policy: Travelers are kindly requested to limit their baggage to a maximum of 1 checked luggage and 1 cabin/hand luggage.
- Visas & Permits: Please ensure you arrange all necessary visas and permits for entry into the country well in advance of your trip.
- Cancellation Policy: Your booking amount is 100% refundable if a cancellation is made 21 days prior to the trip's commencement date.
- Respectful Travel: We kindly request all travelers to respect nature, the local culture, and the sentimental values of the communities we visit. Please refrain from littering, public intoxication, and disrespecting people, animals, or places of worship at all times. For health and safety, we strictly discourage drinking and smoking during our trips, ensuring everyone can fully enjoy their adventure.
- 21+ Days Before Trip: Enjoy free cancellation and a full refund (after deducting payment gateway transaction fee).
- Within 21 Days of Trip: No modifications or cancellations are allowed.
- If the bookings don’t meet our minimum group requirement, the trip may stand cancelled. Full refund will be issued in such a case.
Bookings & Payments
Q: How do I book a trip?
A: You can book directly on our website, call us, or email our team. We’ll guide you through the itinerary, answer any questions, and help finalize your booking.
Q: Do I need to pay the full amount upfront?
A: We require a full payment before the trip. For cancellations, refer to our cancellation policy
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept major credit/debit cards, UPI, bank transfers, and PayPal (for international travelers).
Trip Planning & Customization
Q: Can you help me customize an itinerary?
A: Yes! We love crafting personalized group experiences—let us know your interests, preferred dates, and budget, and we’ll create a trip tailored just for you.
Q: Do you offer trips for solo travelers?
A: Absolutely. Most of our guests travel solo, and we design our group trips to be friendly and inclusive.
Q: Are flights included in the trip cost?
A: Flights are not usually included, but our ticketing partner can assist you with booking flights if needed.
Safety & Health
Q: Is it safe to travel with your company?
A: Your safety is our top priority. All destinations and activities are vetted, we work with trusted local partners, and our guides are trained in emergency protocols.
Q: What happens if I get sick or injured during the trip?
A: Our team will assist you in getting medical attention immediately. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected health issues. Many trips include travel insurance (refer to trip inclusions/exclusions to know more)
What’s Included & What to Pack
Q: What’s included in the package?
A: Accommodation, ground transport, meals as listed in the itinerary, guided tours, and entry fees are included. Flights, visas, insurance, and personal expenses are typically not included.
Q: Do you provide a packing list?
A: Yes! We send a detailed packing list tailored to your destination and season after booking.
Q: Can I bring my camera equipment/laptop?
A: Absolutely. We recommend carrying essential electronics in your hand luggage; we’ll share tips on protecting gear during travel.
Cancellations & Changes
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Cancellation policies vary by trip. Generally, deposits are refundable if booking is cancelled more than 21 days prior to the travel date.
Q: Can I change my travel dates after booking?
A: We’ll do our best to accommodate changes, subject to availability and possible fees from hotels or local partners but is not guaranteed.
Visas & Travel Documents
Q: Do I need a visa?
A: Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination. We’ll provide guidance and necessary documents to support your visa application.
Q: Do you help with travel insurance?
A: We do not sell insurance but it is included in the trip cost, unless stated otherwise. (Not applicable for Non-resident Indians/Foreigners). We can suggest trusted insurance providers if needed.
Miscellaneous
Q: Will I have free time during the trip?
A: Yes. Our itineraries balance guided activities with free time for you to explore or relax at your own pace.
Q: What kind of travelers join your trips?
A: Our groups include solo travelers, couples, and friends, typically ages 20–55+, who love adventure, photography, and cultural discovery.
Q: How many people are in a group?
A: We keep groups small—usually 6–12 people—to ensure personalized attention and a more intimate experience.